Principal, Experience Strategist - Retail Space Designer (Sam's Club)

Position Summary

The Principal Retail Space Designer is a senior‑most individual contributor responsible for defining and driving the future of Sam’s Club physical environments at scale. Building on deep expertise in retail space design, this role expands beyond execution into enterprise‑level influence—shaping long‑term experience strategy, design systems, and next‑generation club formats.

This role blends user‑centered design and architecture/interior design excellence with systems thinking, experiential storytelling, and business strategy. As a key leader within Club Transformation, the Principal Designer will lead the design of new clubs and large‑scale remodel programs—ensuring environments are emotionally resonant, operationally efficient, and future‑ready.

You will operate at the intersection of design, business, and technology—translating evolving member expectations into scalable spatial solutions that integrate physical and digital experiences.

What you'll do

• Experience Vision & Strategy: Define and drive the long‑term vision for in‑club experiences, translating business goals, member insights, and operational needs into scalable formats and future‑ready environments.
• Human‑Centered Design & Insight: Ground all design work in a deep understanding of member and associate needs, synthesizing research and data into clear insights, problem definitions, and high‑impact opportunities.
• End‑to‑End Spatial Design Leadership: Lead the design of high‑impact club environments from concept through execution, creating cohesive experiences that blend physical space with digital and omnichannel journeys.
• Design Systems & Standards: Establish and evolve scalable design systems—including layouts, fixtures, flow, and signage—that ensure consistency while enabling flexibility across clubs.
• Enterprise Influence & Alignment: Partner with senior leaders and influence executive stakeholders to align on experience strategy, investment decisions, and cross‑functional priorities.
• Program Leadership & Delivery: Oversee large‑scale initiatives including new builds, remodels, and prototypes—ensuring design intent, feasibility, and business objectives are achieved.
• Insight‑Driven Optimization: Define success metrics and continuously refine spatial experiences using data, research, and in‑club insights.
• Team & Design Leadership: Mentor and elevate senior designers while fostering strong cross‑functional collaboration and high design standards.

Required Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s in Architecture, Interior Design, or related field
• 12–15+ years of experience in retail store design
• Proven track record leading large‑scale programs from concept to execution
• Strong portfolio demonstrating systems thinking and built work at scale
• Deep expertise in retail space planning and customer behavior
• Strong business acumen and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience defining store formats at enterprise scale
• Strong capability in synthesis and sense‑making of user research findings
• Omnichannel retail experience
• Sustainability and LEED knowledge
• Exposure to emerging technologies

Impact

You will shape how millions of members experience Sam’s Club and influence how the organization frames problems, makes decisions, and delivers future‑ready retail experiences at scale.

Benefits

Sam’s Club offers competitive pay, performance‑based bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, financial, paid time off, disability, and educational support. Benefits may vary by location and are subject to eligibility requirements.

Compensation

Annual salary range: $110,000.00 – $220,000.00. Additional compensation may include performance bonuses and Regional Pay Zone adjustments based on location.

Minimum Qualifications

Option 1: Bachelor’s degree in design, business, or related area and 12 years progressive experience in experience strategy, UX, or service design with demonstrable enterprise and industry impact.

Option 2: 15 years experience leading large‑scale experience transformation initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience designing and scaling experiences across digital and physical channels.
Experience leading multi‑squad or enterprise transformation programs.
Experience using storytelling to align senior executives and drive decision‑making.
Experience with OKRs, NPS, ROI frameworks, and operational performance metrics.
Recognized expertise or thought leadership in experience strategy or systems design (e.g., publications, conference presentations).

Primary Location

2101 Se Simple Savings Dr, Bentonville, AR 72712‑4304, United States of America

Equal Opportunity & Drug‑Free Workplace Statement

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug‑free workplace and have a no‑tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. Walmart, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer‑By Choice, valuing diversity, inclusion, and creating a safe and productive work environment.

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